A greener picture of BOCA with Omar Shihab, founder and chief sustainability officer of BOCA restaurant
Omar Shihab, founder and chief sustainability officer of BOCA restaurant, is a versatile professional, who has taken on various roles in the hospitality industry. He has led a team of skilled chefs, managers, designers and experts to create exceptional hospitality concepts in the Gulf. A passionate advocate for sustainability, local sourcing and innovative dining experiences, Shihab has introduced several sustainability initiatives at BOCA, including waste reduction and local sourcing. He has been recognized for his efforts, winning the Gault&Millau UAE 2022 Sustainability Champion award, and is also an advisor to the UAE Restaurant Group and represents Food Made Good UAE, Thriving Solutions and Azraq.
Spanish flavors with Patricia Roig, executive chef of BOCA
According to Patricia Roig, executive chef of BOCA, Spanish cuisine is all about flavors and variations. Here, she explains the difference between Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, regional nuances and the latest trends.
On the couch with Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, CEO of Al Khozama
We sat with visionary CEO Khalid Saud Abu Haimed to get the lowdown on Al Khozama’s impressive portfolio of hotels and restaurants.
Homegrown Akiba Dori expands beyond the GCC
Dubai homegrown Japanese concept Akiba Dori has kicked off its fifth anniversary with a franchise development agreement for 30 locations in India. Following the restaurant’s successful expansion streak, with five branches launched in the GCC within the last five years, Akiba Dori’s modern Japanese street food and Tokyo-style pizza have been enjoyed over the last five years in the UAE and, most recently, Saudi Arabia.
Behind the scenes: Baghdad’s hospitality potential
After years of conflict, Iraq is beginning to finally find its feet. Ralph Nader, CEO of Amber Consulting, investigates how the country’s hospitality sector is shaping up and why the capital is proving appealing to F&B brands.
7 Management sets its sight on the GCC after massive UAE expansion
Renowned F&B titan 7 Management has dominated the hospitality scene in Riyadh, Beirut, Dubai and Doha, with an array of standout Middle Eastern brands, such as Café Beirut, February 30, Lucia’s, Antika and Sayf.
11 restaurants awarded Michelin stars in Dubai
Michelin unveiled its 2022 selection of the Michelin Guide Dubai, recognizing 69 restaurants covering 21 cuisines. A total of 11 restaurants were awarded with prestigious Michelin stars, while 14 were recognized as Bib Gourmand restaurants and one received a Green Star for sustainable gastronomy.
A gloves-off conversation between restaurants operators and guests
Business consultant Keary Shandler answers the tough question of whether there is a disconnection between diners and restaurant owners, guests, and hotel operators. And tells us how the answer depends on your side of the fence.